The Seattle, Washington police chief announced that he has placed on administrative leave two officers who were in Washington, DC during the attempted coup at the Capitol on Wednesday, pending an investigation into the actions the pair took during the insurrection.

“Today the Seattle Police Department was made aware that at least two of its officers were reportedly in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday,” Chief Adrian Diaz said in a statement released late Friday.  “The Department fully supports all lawful expressions of First Amendment freedom of speech, but the violent mob and events that unfolded at the U.S. Capitol were unlawful and resulted in the death of another police officer. The incident has been forwarded to the Office of Police Accountability for full review of any SPD employee activities at the U.S. Capitol.”

During the insurrection attempt, Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick was fatally injured.  One protester was shot and killed trying to breach the office of the Speaker of the House, one was trampled to death and two others died of medical issues.  The insurrectionists destroyed and stole public property during their violent attack on the Capitol.

The OPA will investigate whether any SPD policies were violated and if any potential illegal activities need to be referred for criminal investigation,” Diaz stated.  “If any SPD officers were directly involved in the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, I will immediately terminate them. While OPA investigates, these officers have been placed on administrative leave.”